RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Once a common variety in the region before phylloxera, the Doux d’Henry grape is a rare and lesser-known red grape variety primarily cultivated in the Pinerolo area in the province of Turin, in Piedmont. While some early sources speculated that the grape might have French origins, it is now widely accepted that Doux d’Henry is a native Italian variety, deeply rooted in the local viticultural history of the Pinerolo hills.

Doux d’Henry is a vigorous and medium-late ripening vine, but it is also notably delicate in its reproductive cycle. The grape has a tendency toward sagging (drooping of the bunch) and floral abortion (failure of flowers to develop into fruit), which significantly reduces its yield and contributes to inconsistent production from year to year. Interestingly, Doux d'Henry only has functional female flowers. For this reason, it is often grown alongside other pollinating varieties, and it is very rarely vinified as a single-varietal wine. Its maturation is relatively late and ideal for the cool and bright areas of Piedmont.

The unusual name of the grape is allegedly inspired by either Henry II, King of France when Pinerolo, a city that in the Middle Ages was strategically positioned between France and Italy and first came under French control, or Henri IV of France who gave compliments to the wines when he passed through the region. The doux part probably refers to residual sweetness sometimes found in these wines.

When vinified, Doux d’Henry produces a ruby red wine of medium body with a pleasant, though not intense, aromatic profile. The flavour is subtle and easy-drinking, making it suitable for early consumption rather than long-term ageing. Due to its agronomic challenges and low productivity, Doux d’Henry is rarely found on the commercial market, but it remains a valuable part of Piedmont’s viticultural biodiversity, championed by a handful of producers and researchers aiming to preserve the region’s native grape heritage.

Officially listed in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1970, the grape produces light to medium-bodied and light-colored red wines with a floral and fruity aroma. The wines are fresh, and approachable, sometimes with a subtle sweetness.

Sources: (https://www.italyabroad.com/grapes/doux-dhenry?srsltid=AfmBOoo-oCuH6lGclJNWtjkoY5bjRDwwi-egCWkp2le2jPfiBM5WZyjz); (https://www.tasteatlas.com/doux-dhenry) & (https://www.quattrocalici.com/)

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=3677

Parentage: Moissan &?

Tasting notes: Light ruby red color with a light to medium body. Tannins are soft and minimal with medium-high and fresh acidity.

Look for fresh sour cherry, raspberry, red berry and floral notes; fruity and herbaceous. Generally dry or slightly sweet; meant to be consumed young and fresh. Source: (https://sommo.app/grape-varieties/doux-d-henry/ )

Food Pairings: At the table it suits pasta with fresh ricotta cheese, roasted duck breast and creamy mushrooms on toast with parmesan. It is best enjoyed young and served with appetizers or white meat. Sweeter styles can be served with desserts. Source: (https://sommo.app/grape-varieties/doux-d-henry/)

Production areas: Pinerolese DOC, where it has to make a minimum of 85% of the blend.

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/doux-dhenry/

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